Pingyao Chinese New Year, an annual cultural event in celebration of Spring Festival highlighting traditions and creativity, opens at Yingxunmen Square in Pingyao county on Feb 8. The annual celebration has been held since 2000. [Photo/pingyao.gov.cn]

Pingyao Chinese New Year, an annual cultural event in celebration of Spring Festival highlighting traditions and creativity, opened at Yingxunmen Square in Pingyao county on Feb 8.

Various performances such as shehuo (typical folk customs celebrating Chinese New Year) and yangko (a popular folk dance) were staged at the launch ceremony, attracting nearly 1,000 visitors from home and abroad.

A Pingyao sightseeing project was launched at the ceremony. The project, which is the first tourist rail line in China, as well as the first county-level rail line in the country, will help improve Pingyao's tourism profile.

In addition, 100 calligraphers wrote Spring Festival couplets and delivered them to audience members and visitors at the ceremony to convey blessings.

This year's celebration event, which is scheduled to last until March 3, focuses on the theme of "world famous Pingyao – my home".

More than 20 activities under seven themed events including an online gala, lantern shows, and a folk customs display, have been prepared for locals and visitors to Pingyao, allowing them to experience the folk traditions and culture of Spring Festival and the charms of the Ancient City of Pingyao.